Rally for Competitive DSP Wages on May 13, 2019

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Apr, 2019

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On May 13, we want HUNDREDS of members of the Coalition for a DSP Living Wage to gather for a rally in front of the NJ State House Annex in Trenton to tell Governor Murphy and the Legislature that $54-million is needed in FY2020 to secure a competitive DSP starting wage that’s 25% above minimum wage. A HUGE turnout would make a strong statement to lawmakers that NJ must #PayFair4DirectCare in FY2020.

What to Wear: If you already have a lime green Coalition for a DSP Living Wage t-shirt, please wear it to the event. Otherwise, please wear green or blue. A limited number of Coalition t-shirts will also be available on a first come, first serve basis at the event.

What to Bring:
Bring a bag lunch or money to purchase lunch at the State House Cafeteria or nearby Café 128 on West State Street. Food will not be provided.

What to Do to Prepare for the Rally:Make a Sign & Bring it to Trenton: Bring signs to the rally in support of greater state funding for DSP wages. This is your chance to tell state leaders why they must invest $54-million in FY2020 to secure a competitive DSP wage that’s 25% above minimum wage and reflects the skill, training and responsibility required for the complex work. Need help figuring out what to write? How about:

It’s time NJ #PayFair4DirectCare

Direct Support is #NotMinWageWork

Who will care if no one is there?!

DSPs Do More, They Deserve More

Low Pay is NOT Ok

Please keep in mind that no sticks or poles may be affixed on the signs and they must be made solely of paper or cardboard, otherwise they will not be permitted for safety reasons.

Make Your Voice Heard via Social Media: You have the chance to not only be advocates in person on May 13 – you can make your voice heard through your social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. Use hashtags #NotMinWageWork #PayFair4DirectCare and #DSPRally2019 before, during and after the event. Here are some sample tweets to post immediately to help spread the word and show support:

Joining @NJDSPCoalition in Trenton for #DSPRally2019 on May 13 to show support for DSPs who provide essential supports for NJ residents with I/DD Direct Support is #NotMinWageWork @GovMurphy @NJSenatePres @SpeakerCoughlin

Direct support workforce is in crisis with 44% turnover and 20% vacancy rates because of low wages. It’s time #NJ invest in a competitive wage for DSPs that reflects the skill, training and responsibility required for the complex job. #DSPRally2019 #NotMinWageWork @GovMurphy

Why #PayFair4DirectCare? Because over 30,000 NJ residents with I/DD rely on direct support professionals to achieve what we all want—a life well lived. @GovMurphy @NJSenatePres @SpeakerCoughlin #DSPRally2019 #NotMinWageWork

I live in your legislative district and on May13, 2019, I will be in Trenton with other members of the Coalition for a DSP Living Wage for a rally that will bring attention to need for the state to invest in DSP wages. The rally will be held in front of the State House Annex and where we’re inviting lawmakers to stop by and say a few words anytime between 11:00am—12noon. I hope you’re able to come by and say hello!